Legacy of the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution

By: Ivan Dimitrov
Period: 2



Background

The cultural revolution was social and political movement that started in China in 1966 and end roughly a decade later in 1976. The purpose was to purge the Chinese society of all capitalist elements within the country and to further Mao's ideology.


A sample of the destruction that occured
A sample of the destruction that occured



What happened

  • The youth formed groups called the Red Guards to carry out the revolution.

  • Violent prosecution of millions of people

  • Beatings, rape, torture, imprisonment, and invasion of privacy were common acts

  • Established leadership was brought down and embarrassed

  • Historical artifacts and cultural sites were destroyed

  • Power was taken from experienced leaders and placed into the hands of misguided youth

A rally for the cultural revolution
A rally for the cultural revolution





Legacy in China


The cultural revolution has left a black mark in recent Chinese history and few would argue otherwise. The death of hundreds of thousands maybe even millions is proof enough of the kind of legacy the cultural revolution has left. Even in China the citizens acknowledge that the ten years lost during the cultural revolution came at a great cost. The red guard was comprised of inexperienced youth who were given power and in result they abused beyond measure. Millions were displaced from their homes a lot of them were imprisoned in inhumane conditions. Beatings, rapes, and tortures were common practice that happened to people of all ages. Cringing secrets have recently come out of unspeakable acts against human kind including cannibalism and live burials. Damage was also done to the heritage of China which can never be undone.

Overall, the cultural revolution is something that should be regarded as an example for modern society and something that shouldn't be repeated.



This video reports some of the horrors done by the red guard.